Shipwreck and the Ambush

   Days pass on the river, traveling up the river in the former elvish kingdom of Celene. Other than animals seen, no contact with others on river or bank was noted for 3 days. The heroes stop for wood fuel for the steamboat and catch some rabbits (good shooting by Doc Holiday).
A more calm travel takes hold as the days pass, and the heroes open up as some mention parts of their life, relatives and more. Binding the group into comrades that care and help each other.
By the 4th day, Kantiff notes a plume of smoke ahead. The adventurers prepare and coming around a bend in the river see a riverboat wreck. Swirling around rocks, spars and broken wood planks stick out of the water. a plume of dark smoke comes from a half-submerged smokestack.

   Master Senji slowed the boat's engine as the party looked intently around. The broken bow of the ship jutted out of the water, parts of its hull sticking out of the water like ribs. As the party got close.. Doctor Holiday jumps and swims to the wreck, climbing on board. As he started to look around for survivors and more he noted something in a dark hole.. perhaps leading to the hold, as he leaned down, a pale fish-headed face appeared long claws reach out and pulled him head first into the ice cold water.
Ambush!
Battle was engaged as rifle shot cracks and arrows flew from the banks. A dwarf, orc and a few goblins attack from the banks.Some of the party kept a sniping battle with the enemies while Holiday fought a battle with the sharp-toothed creature as well as holding his breath. Cedric brought forth the power of his god and commanded the dwarf musketeer to approach him. The dwarf.. chuckled at first and then with a glazed look jumped into the cold river and started to try to dog-paddle to the boat.
Cheeta nimbly ran down the chain to the barge of supplies and took a hold of the ballista and hit one of the goblins. Already injured by Extrano's spell, it flew back under nailed to a tree by the large bolt.
Kantiff dove/jumped over to help Doc Holiday. Reaching to grab his
feet he fought a war of strength to pull the 1/2 orc up. Meanwhile, Robin Hood, Cedric and Extrano dealt with the orc and goblins.
Kantiff was surprised when he saw a 2nd pale creature grab a hold of Doc Holiday.
Pulling him further down, the rogue went in as well. Now both were fighting for their breath and life.
Extrano unfurled his wings and flew over to the wreck and started using his spells on the fish-like humanoids.
A close battle, Holiday and Kantiff fought and successfully killed one and then Kantiff was pulled in again! Spells from Extrano and Robin finish the creature and the party was triumphant. Exhausted and chilled to the bone from the ice cold water.
Some treasure found, at first the party was going to keep all until they realized Master Senji knew the owner of the wreck, and was very thankful to the group for giving some of the treasure and loot for the family of the crew.
Travel continued. 10 days passed since the settlement of RedWater Falls, the next stop would be Sorenson Outpost a trading stop for humans and elves. No other traffic was seen on the river and the snow-covered road that occasionally went along side. On the 11th day, multiple plums of smoke were seen ahead. Again the party prepared.. for who knows..
The destruction was total. The outpost run by the large multi-generational family of Sorenson was destroyed and burning embers. Much covered in snow now. The adventurers spread out looking for
survivors, but none were found. Taking the next step, Doc Holiday performed an orcish ritual for the dead - 8. Five adults and three children.

Exploring the ruins they find little, except Doc Holiday acquires an anvil and tools, installing it near the steam engine - hoping to do some tinkering with his guns.

A confrontation takes place about the amulet of Orcus worn now by Robin Hood - which Cedric wanted to destroy. At this point at an impasse..
Traveling onwards, the party noted a wagon with two outriders riding on the road that sometimes went parallel to the river. Perceptive members noted a cage on the back with 3 prisoners and a dwarf - beardless - in black armour driving the two-wheeled transport. At first ready to attack, Master Senji advised there was a point up the river where the road crossed at a bridge. They could easily get there first as the road had to go around a large hill. Reaching the bridge, Master Senji and Cheeta hid the boat further up river as the party made ready, hiding and preparing for these evil dwarf slavers who potentially were some of those that destroyed the Sorenson Outpost.
Until next time.. ambush!